Casio have revealed the twelve-megapixel Casio EX-Z90 and Casio EX-Z450 digital compact cameras with Intelligent AF and improved Dynamic Photo functionality. In addition to usual face detection, just by pointing the camera at a desired shot, Intelligent AF automatically detects non-human photo subjects in the whole composition and determines the focus and exposure area. So when taking a picture of a pet or even scenery, Intelligent AF can help minimise the number of photos that have an out-of-focus subject, thanks to the high-speed image processing technology and image analysis technology of the EXILIM Engine 4.0, the company claims. Compact enough to fit into the palm of a hand, the Casio Exilim EX-Z90 (see picture above) has a 3x zoom lens; while the Casio Exilim EX-Z450 boasts a 28-112mm zoom lens plus a 3” rear screen, and throws CCD-shift image stabilisation into the mix. The EX-Z450 will have an MSRP of $199.99 and will be offered in champagne. The EX-Z90 will have an MSRP of $149.99 and will be available in pink and black.

Casio Press Release

Casio Releases EXILIM Digital Cameras that Automatically Detect Photo Subjects with New Intelligent AF

Enhancing the Fun of Creating Composite Moving Images with Improved Dynamic Photo

Norderstedt, August 18, 2009 - Casio Europe GmbH and its parent company Casio Computer Co., Ltd., today announced the addition of two new models to the EXILIM digital camera line-up, the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90. Both are equipped with Intelligent AF, a new function that can detect even a non-human photographic subject, which means it automatically determines the focus and exposure area. The new models also come with a CD-ROM containing graphics that can be used with Dynamic Photo, a unique function for creating composite moving images. With the graphics and Dynamic Photo, users can easily create fun and dynamic images for animated electronic greeting cards and other purposes.

Intelligent AF automatically detects the intended subject
In addition to usual face detection, just by pointing the camera at a desired shot, Intelligent AF automatically detects non-human photo subjects in the whole composition and determines the focus and exposure area. So when taking a picture of a pet or even scenery, Intelligent AF can help minimize the number of photos that have an out-of-focus subject, thanks to the high-speed image processing technology and image analysis technology of the EXILIM Engine 4.0.

Dynamic Photo expands the possibilities for easy and fun image creation
Further advancements have been achieved for Dynamic Photo, which enables users to cut out images of a moving subject and combine them with a different still image. In the past, it was necessary to take photos twice*1 in order to cut out the moving subject, but now a moving subject can be cropped from a single shooting, as long as the background is flat and in one color. The new EXILIM models come with a CD-ROM containing a selection of more than 150 types*2 of graphics, including Animated Characters such as a cake or a firecracker. These can be added to still images, ideal for the creation of animated electronic greeting cards. The CD-ROM also contains the Dynamic Photo Manager software for PCs, which enables users to easily attach composite moving images to emails. Dynamic Photo offers endless possibilities for touching the hearts of family and friends.

*1. Capturing separate photos with and without the subject, while keeping the camera in the same position.
*2. Including still and moving graphics

Two New Models
EX-Z450
This stylish model is a 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera boasting a wide-angle 28 mm 4X optical zoom lens (35 mm film camera equivalent). In addition to a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, the EX-Z450 features a Landscape Mode for taking more beautiful scenery shots, and a Makeup Mode that enhances the beauty of human faces.

EX-Z90
With an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens, the EX-Z90 offers advanced base performance and a wide range of functions. Compact enough to fit into the palm of a hand, the EX-Z90 has been designed to feel like a fashion accessory.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 Digital Cameras that Automatically Detect Photo Subjects with Intelligent AF

Both models have an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels

EX-Z450
This stylish model features a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 230,400 dots of high resolution, as well as a lens ranging from 28-mm wide angle (35 mm film camera equivalent) all the way to 4X optical zoom. Its advanced base performance is supported by a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, and a longer battery life lasting about 550 shots on a single full charge.

EX-Z90
Compact enough to fit in the palm of a hand, the EX-Z90 comes in a range of colors that appeal to sophisticated women, and is designed to feel like a fashion accessory. In order to accent the camera’s attractive color, the 3X optical zoom lens barrel is rendered in black.

Shooting functions made possible by high-speed image processing

Intelligent AF
When the camera is pointed at a desired shot, the Intelligent AF function automatically detects the photo subject even if it is not a human face, and determines the focus and exposure area accordingly.

Landscape Mode
This mode is for taking beautiful scenery shots. Users can choose between the Vivid Landscape option, which enhances only impressive colors or the Mist Removal option, which produces clearer pictures when the atmosphere is misty or hazy.

Makeup Mode
The camera helps create beautiful pictures of people’s faces. This function ensures that faces are correctly focused and well exposed, adjusts the smoothness of skin, and softens facial shadows caused by sunlight.

Handheld Night Scene function* or Lighting function
The camera can automatically detect difficult situations, such as night scenes where there would normally be camera shake, and backlit scenes where faces or backgrounds can be poorly exposed, and then make the most appropriate settings. All the user has to do is to press the shutter button to take great pictures.
* EX-Z450 only

Dynamic Photo can create composite moving images ideal for animated electronic greeting cards
Without the need for a computer, Dynamic Photo enables users to cut out images of a moving subject that have been photographed, and combine them with a different still image that forms the background. The result is a unique still photo containing a moving subject. Dynamic Photo can be used to create highly original and creative electronic greeting cards. Thanks to improvements made to Dynamic Photo, fun composite moving images can now be created even more easily.

  * A moving subject can be cropped from a single shooting, as long as the background is flat and in one color.
  * It is now possible to expand or shrink the size of the cut-out subject to suit the still image that it will be combined with.
  * A Dynamic Photo can be converted into a Motion JPEG movie file right on the camera.
  * Using the included PC software, Photo Transport, still images can also be uploaded to the camera for use in composite moving image creation.
  * Eight different Animated Characters (such as a heart or a dinosaur) are included in the camera so that users can have fun decorating their still images.
  * Comes with a CD-ROM containing a selection of more than 150 types* of graphics, including Ani-mated Characters, for use in composite moving image creation.
  * Using the included PC software, Dynamic Photo Manager, composite moving images can be eas-ily attached to emails.

* Including moving and still graphics

High Resolution HD Movies
The camera also features an HD Movie function. Just press the dedicated Movie button to take beautiful movies at 1280x720 pixels.

Image Gallery

Click on a thumbnail to see the full version.

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